Chiang Ching-kuo

Chiang Ching-kuo (27 April 1910-13 January 1988) was Premier of Taiwan from 29 May 1972 to 20 May 1978, succeeding Yen Chia-kan and preceding Sun Yun-suan, and President of Taiwan from 20 May 1978 to 13 January 1988, succeeding Yen Chia-kan and preceding Lee Teng-hui. He was the son of Chiang Kai-shek.

Biography
Chiang Ching-kuo was born in Fengwah, China on 18 March 1910, the son of Chiang Kai-shek. He studied at the University of Shanghai, and he was then sent by his father to study at Sun Yat-sen University in Moscow. Following a decline in relations between his father and Joseph Stalin, he was only allowed to leave the country with his Russian wife in 1937. Thereafter, he was groomed by his father to succeed him. He followed his father to Taiwan, and he held a number of increasingly importants within the government and the Kuomintang, including Minister of Defense (1965-1969) and Deputy Prime Minister (1969-1972). He became Prime Minister in 1972, and he immediately embarked upon a programme of political reform. He instigated an anti-corruption drive, introduced a gradual political opening, and supported the appointment of more Taiwanese to positions of importance in government and the Kuomintang, making Lee Teng-hui his deputy. As President, he continued his promotion of economic liberalism, investment, and edeucation, which became the basis of the country's spectacular economic growth. He was a popular leader, not just for his policies, but also for his approachable and low-key manner. He left office in 1988, and Lee succeeded him.